2026 data
Japan vs South Korea
South Korea is stronger · +2 visa-free destinations
Comparing the two in 2026: the Japan passport gives access to 164 destinations without a prior visa (#12 worldwide), while South Korea reaches 166 (#2). In practice, South Korea gets you visa-free to 2 more destinations.
Side-by-side comparison
Japan
South Korea
Visa-free destinations
164
166
Voyspark Index rank
#12
#2
Visa-free
117
116
Visa on arrival
38
41
Electronic auth (eTA)
9
9
e-Visa
18
17
Visa required
#16
#15
Access by region, side by side
Visa-free for both: destinations open to both passports.
Europe45 · 46 / 46
Americas33 · 33 / 35
Africa31 · 32 / 54
Asia28 · 28 / 33
Middle East13 · 13 / 15
Oceania13 · 13 / 14
Frequently asked questions
Which is stronger, Japan or South Korea?
South Korea is stronger. Japan reaches 164 destinations visa-free; South Korea, 166.
How many destinations can both enter visa-free?
163 destinations are open without a prior visa to both passports in 2026.